Motorcyclist dies in collision with car

Thursday, March 15, 2012

BAINBRIDGE -- A fatal accident occurred just before 2 p.m. Wednesday just south of U.S. 36 on U.S. 231.

Charles L. Powell of Greenfield was riding his 2004 Harley-Davidson motorcycle when Amanda S. Bell of Bainbridge was retrieving her mail at her home at 6632 U.S. 231 North.

Bell, who was driving a 2009 Kia, entered the southbound emergency lane facing north to retrieve her mail. Bell then proceeded to back up to make a U-turn into the northbound lane with a goal of turning around to go southbound on 231.

"According to her and witnesses, she pulled up facing northbound," said Sheriff's Department Lt. Don Pettit. "Several of the motorcycles swerved to miss her. She came partially into the southbound lane and Powell stuck her almost like a T-bone in the area of the driver's side."

Powell was ejected off the bike and landed approximately 25 feet from the impact onto the middle of the roadway. He was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.

Stat Flight helicopter was on the scene but emergency personnel decided not to airlift him. Instead, Powell was transported to Putnam County Hospital by Operation Life, where he was pronounced dead by emergency personnel.

Bell was also transported to Putnam County Hospital by PMH Roachdale as a precaution. The extent of her injuries is not known.

Also assisting at the scene were the Bainbridge Fire Department, Lt. Col. Tom Helmer and Deputy Ron Campbell.